Kerry congratulates Colombia over 204 years of independence

US Secretary of State John Kerry, on behalf of President Barack Obama and the American people, congratulated Colombia for the 204th anniversary of the South American country’s independence.

In a statement published on the US’ embassy’s website, Kerry said that following his first visit as secretary of state he “was taken with the warmth and spirit of your country and have long been inspired by your resilience.”

“Radio stations that once broadcasted messages of support from mothers to their kidnapped children instead play the popular music of the day. Bogota is a thriving capital where business booms and police patrol the streets,” the secretary of state said, adding that “Colombians have an incredible story to tell the world about transformation.”

“As you celebrate with your countrymen, the United States is proud to stand by all Colombians as you work to secure a peaceful future for your children and grandchildren,” said Kerry.